The Heartbeat of Assam

A visual guide to the lively Bihu festival, Assam's cultural gem, celebrating its deep ties to nature and farming.

Three Festivals, One Spirit

Rongali Bihu

The Festival of Merriment (Mid-April)

Celebrating the Assamese New Year, this lively Bihu honors spring, fertility, and communal happiness.

  • 🎶Energetic Bihu dance and Husori songs.
  • 🧣Exchanging Gamosa as a sign of respect.
  • 🐂Honoring cattle for their role in farming.

Kongali Bihu

The Festival of Scarcity (Mid-October)

A somber time of empty granaries, centered on prayers and hopes for a fruitful harvest.

  • 🏮Lighting earthen lamps (Saki) in paddy fields.
  • 🌿Worshipping the sacred Tulsi plant for protection.
  • 🙏Offering prayers for the health of the crops.

Bhogali Bihu

The Festival of Feasting (Mid-January)

Marking the harvest's end with gratitude, full granaries, and festive community gatherings.

  • 🔥Burning ceremonial Meji structures.
  • 🍲Holding grand community feasts (Uruka).
  • 🥥Preparing and sharing countless traditional sweets.

The Bihu Calendar

This timeline illustrates the three Bihus spread across the year, reflecting their strong ties to the agricultural cycle of sowing, cultivation, and harvest.

The Cultural Essence

💃Bihu Dance & Music

Rongali Bihu's essence lies in lively steps, swaying movements, and the vibrant beats of the Dhol and Pepa, celebrating youthful zeal and the spirit of spring.

🧣Attire & Symbols

Women grace the traditional Mekhela Sador, while men don the Dhoti and Gamosa. The red-and-white Gamosa stands as a cherished emblem of Assamese culture, pride, and honor.

A Taste of Bihu: Popular Pithas

Bihu celebrations are incomplete without Pithas—tasty rice flour cakes. Here’s a chart of some favorite types savored during the festivities.